Nutrition and Your Health:
Dietary Guidelines for Americans

PART E: TRANSLATING THE SCIENCE INTO DIETARY GUIDANCE

Table E-1. Essential Elements of Weight Loss

The energy you get from consuming food should be less than the energy you expend.

Caloric intake must be decreased to attain weight loss.

Caloric reduction, regardless of macronutrient distribution, can result in weight
loss.

A diet based on the basic food groups may be safer and easier to follow on a long-term
basis while providing adequate amounts of essential nutrients and limiting saturated
and trans fats and cholesterol.

Increased physical activity will use up more energy, which can help in weight reduction.

Adapted from ASCM Position Stand "Appropriate Intervention Strategies for Weight Loss and Prevention of Weight Regain in Adults."